Birch

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Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Birch, a popular café in Portree known for its delicious brunch options and speciality coffee . Their menu features tempting choices like creamy overnight oats with almonds and blueberry, or a refreshing coconut bircher with stewed fruits and toasted nuts . If you prefer something savoury, they offer sourdough toast with various toppings, including Nduja with salsa verde, salted ricotta, and poached eggs, or crispy chickpea with roast tomato aioli, pine nut, and basil . And of course, their coffee is excellent – they use their own locally roasted beans, ensuring a high-quality and flavourful brew.

Portree

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Immerse yourself in the colourful harbour town of Portree. For a picture-perfect view of the iconic row of pastel-coloured houses overlooking the bustling harbour, take a short stroll outside the Bosville Hotel. These houses, painted in vibrant hues, are a photographer's dream and a symbol of Portree's charm. Afterwards, delve into the local shops, art galleries, and craft stores for unique souvenirs and gifts.

Don't miss ÒR, a contemporary art and craft shop with two locations in Portree . They offer a curated selection of unique items from independent artists and designers, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of Skye and Scotland. You'll find beautiful jewellery, ceramics, textiles, and artwork, all with a focus on quality and originality. The Skye Silver Shop showcases beautiful jewellery crafted with local materials, while for a touch of luxury, visit Skye Skyns, renowned for its sheepskin products and offering a fascinating tour of their tannery. If unique ceramics catch your eye, Uig Pottery is a must-visit, with its distinctive stoneware crafted by resident artisans.

The Old Man of Storr

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Embark on a scenic 15-minute drive from Portree to the Old Man of Storr, a towering rock pinnacle that dominates the Trotternish Peninsula. The single-track road winds its way along the coast, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the rugged cliffs.   

Upon arrival, you'll find a large car park with space for 140 cars. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so arriving early is recommended. Parking costs £5 for up to 6 hours and £7 for up to 12 hours, payable by cash, contactless card, or the Ringo app.   

From the car park, the walk to the Old Man of Storr and back is around 3.8km and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes on average . While not technically difficult, the path is steep in parts, so it's considered a moderate hike that requires a reasonable level of fitness. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear with good grip, as the trail can be uneven and rocky.

Lealt Falls

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After marvelling at the Old Man of Storr, continue your journey along the captivating Trotternish Peninsula, making a stop at Lealt Falls. This hidden gem, located just a short 10-minute drive from the Old Man of Storr, offers a tranquil escape where water cascades dramatically into the sea.   

Park your car in the designated parking area, which has space for around 20 vehicles. From there, a short, mostly level walk leads to a viewing platform that gives you breathtaking views of the falls. Feel the spray on your face as you witness the raw power of nature, with the water plunging over the cliffs into the Sound of Raasay below. The surrounding scenery is equally captivating, with the rugged Trotternish Ridge rising in the distance and views of the mainland across the Sound.

The Quiraing

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There’s no getting away from the fact that this is a well-frequented walk – one look at the car park will tell you that – but the nature of the trail itself, which winds through otherworldly bluffs and pinnacles, means it feels less crowded the more you progress. It also gives numerous route options, including a spectacular descent to Flodigarry on the coast, but the option described here is a loop that brings you back to the parking area. Be aware that the main path, regardless of your route, has sections that require careful footing and sturdy boots.  

From the car park, the path contours along the hillside, soon serving up magnificent scenery. You’ll pass iconic landmarks the Prison and the Needle before passing underneath an overhang. Cross a stile, then at a fork in the path stay left, entering what feels like a hidden glen. Continue on this path until another stile, at which point you have the option of a detour to climb to the crest of Sròn Vourlin, overlooking the coast from a majestic height. If heading straight back, however, turn left at the stile to climb the hillside and return back – sometimes soggily – towards the descent down to the car park.

Dulse and Brose

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As the day winds down, return to Portree and savour a delightful dinner at Dulse & Brose, the restaurant within the Bosville Hotel. This stylish establishment offers a contemporary take on Scottish cuisine, with a menu that showcases the freshest local produce. Imagine indulging in dishes like succulent Skye lamb or fresh seafood caught just off the coast, all prepared with creativity and flair.

After your meal, take a leisurely stroll down to the harbour. The Bosville Hotel is perfectly situated, just steps away from the waterfront, allowing you to easily soak in the evening atmosphere. Admire the colourful lights reflecting on the water and the gentle sway of the boats in the harbour. It's a perfect way to end your day, reflecting on the adventures and experiences you've had exploring the Trotternish Peninsula.